Ear to the Ground 210: Ignoring a Financial Problem Never Works

An LSP panel of professionals provides farmers advice on dealing with financial stress.

Resources Cited in this Podcast

• Minnesota Farm Advocates: Farm Advocates, which are located throughout the state, provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face crisis caused by either natural disaster or financial problems. To find an advocate near you, click here. The advocate hotline is 1-800-967-2474.

• Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG): FLAG is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services and support to family farmers and their communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land. FLAG provides basic advice as well as numerous printed and online resources. More information is available here or by calling 651-223-5400.

• Minnesota Farm Business Management Program: This program, which is offered through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, offers individualized farm management assistance and access to educational opportunities throughout the year. Farm Business Management instructors work with farmers to improve record keeping and provide in-depth financial and profitability analysis of agricultural operations. For a list of instructors throughout the state and other details, click here.

• The Minnesota Farmer-Lender Mediation Program: Contact the program via the web or at 218-935-5785.

• Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts—call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know. The telephone number is 1-833-600-2670 (extension no. 1).

• University of Minnesota “Dealing with Stress” website: This website contains fact sheets and tips on dealing with stress, as well as links to other resources. Click here for details.

• Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings Program: LSP’s Farm Beginnings, Farm Dreams and Journeyperson courses provide various levels of training in the areas of business planning, goal setting and marketing, among others. For details, check the website or call 507-523-3366.

Upcoming Events

December 2021

Tuesday December 7

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: 100% Campaign Climate Caucus Training

100% Campaign Climate Caucus Training

Tuesday December 7

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

https://secure.everyaction.com/bbbA7twgl0GkI50IErd3xA2

Thursday December 9

9:00 am – 10:30 am

Vegetable Farm Labor Grower Gathering

Thursday December 9

9:00 am – 10:30 am

All businesses are struggling with labor shortages and vegetable farms are no exception. Anna Racer of Waxwing Farm, Elisabeth Minich of Steadfast Acres, and Dana Jokela of Sogn Valley Farm will set the stage for this gathering with a brief overview of the labor picture on their particular operations, how that picture is changing, and how their farms are changing as a result. Join this online gathering of farmers from throughout the Midwest for a broad discussion of labor challenges and possible solutions.

This free event is offered in partnership with FairShare CSA Coalition, UW Extension, and Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).

Vegetable Farm Labor Grower Gathering with MOSES &

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Building Community Food Webs with Ken Meter

Thursday December 9

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Our current food system has decimated rural communities and confined the choices of urban consumers. Even while America continues to ramp up farm production to astounding levels, net farm income is now lower than at the onset of the Great Depression, and one out of every eight Americans faces hunger.

But a healthier and more equitable food system is possible. Come hear how grassroots food and farming leaders across the U.S. are tackling these challenges by building community food webs that strive for health, wealth, capacity, and connection.

Register here: https://secure.everyaction.com/2AubG0x1TEaSRGhdOxLhAQ2

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Direct Marketing Workshop: How to Market to Your Ideal Customer & Manage Your Limited Time

Thursday December 9

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Description: Rachelle Meyer of Wholesome Family Farms, will share specific and actionable tips for building your ideal customer and figuring out which marketing strategies work for them by using technology to track customer activity and communicate effectively. Rachelle combines tried and true marketing principles with firsthand experience as a farmer/direct-marketer to help you refine your marketing approach, avoid needless pitfalls and focus on what’s working well for your business and customer. Registration for this event here.

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Organizing Your Family, Friends & Neighbors [Training]

Thursday December 9

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Description:

Learn how to have conversations with people in your life and move them on the issues you care about, map out the people in your life, and practice relational organizing. Questions? Contact LSP’s Amanda Koehler at akoehler@landstewardshipproject.org or 612-400-6355. Register for this event here.

View Full Calendar